Field Archaeological Monitor (Field Based)

ERM; Nevada (IA); On-site; USD 73,985 - 94,910; Full time

Job summary

ERM is hiring a Field Archaeological Monitor in Nevada to provide cultural resource monitoring and compliance support during construction. Candidates will monitor activities, identify archaeological resources, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology or Anthropology with 2-3 years of relevant experience and is capable of working independently in construction environments.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of professional experience in Great Basin archaeological fieldwork.
• Experience monitoring construction projects.
• Familiarity with Section 106, NHPA, and BLM agency requirements.

Responsibilities

• Monitor construction for cultural resource discoveries.
• Document and evaluate archaeological materials and features.
• Coordinate compliance with permit conditions.

Skills

Cultural resource monitoring

Communication

Field judgment

GPS units

ArcGIS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Survey123

GPS units

Job description

ERM is hiring Field Archaeological Monitor to provide on-site cultural resource monitoring and compliance support during the construction phase of our client’s transmission and distribution project in Northern Nevada and Southern Idaho. Responsibilities include monitoring ground‑disturbing work, identifying and documenting archaeological resources, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and permit conditions. The Field Archaeological Monitor works closely with construction personnel, project managers, and cultural resources leads to implement avoidance measures, respond to discoveries, and support uninterrupted project progress while maintaining regulatory compliance. This role requires strong field judgment, clear communication, and the ability to work safely and effectively in active construction environments. The position requires the ability to work independently, communicate effectively with project teams, and make sound, real‑time decisions in the field. Successful candidates must be flexible and responsive to a changing work environment where schedules, site locations, and tasks fluctuate according to the needs of the project. This is a full‑time (60‑72 hours/week), limited‑term role with a duration of 18 months and the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

• Monitor construction activities for potential cultural resource discoveries as instructed, such as during grading, trenching, excavation, and utility installation
• Identify, document, and evaluate archaeological materials, features, and isolated finds
• Implement unanticipated discovery procedures in accordance with project permits
• Coordinate in real time with construction crews, project managers, and cultural resource leads
• Maintain compliance with cultural resource permit conditions and environmental commitments
• Complete daily monitoring logs, field notes, and photographic documentation
• Collect GPS data as instructed
• Assist with preparation of monitoring summaries, discovery documentation, and technical memoranda
• Communicate findings, compliance concerns, and work status to project managers and senior archaeologists
• Participate in construction worker cultural resource awareness briefings as needed
• Support coordination with Native American tribal monitors, when applicable
• Other duties as assigned or required
• Compliance with ERM’s rigorous safety program

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field preferred
• Minimum of 2‑3 years of professional experience in Great Basin archaeological fieldwork or cultural resource monitoring
• Experience monitoring construction or infrastructure projects
• Familiarity with Section 106, NHPA, and BLM, NV, and ID agency permitting requirements
• Ability to identify prehistoric and historic‑period archaeological materials
• Experience using GPS units, Survey123, ArcGIS, or similar field data collection tools
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
• Ability to work safely in active construction environments and outdoor field conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred. Candidates with relevant professional experience demonstrating a commensurate level of knowledge and expertise are also encouraged to apply.
• Qualification under the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR Part 61) in Archaeology preferred.
• Experience working in remote areas for extended periods
• Demonstrated ability to support projects requiring sustained field engagement
• Experience working alongside Native American tribal monitors
• Experience preparing technical reports, monitoring summaries, or discovery documentation
• OSHA 10‑ or 30‑hour construction safety training
• Wilderness and Remote First Aid Training

Work Environment

• Long hours in outdoor environments and temperature extremes
• Walking or hiking on uneven terrain while carrying field equipment
• Working in active construction sites around heavy equipment
• Candidates must be physically capable of performing required field duties safely

Pay Transparency

For the Archaeological Monitor position, we anticipate the annual base pay of $73,985.60 – $94,910.40, $35.57/hr – $45.63/hr USD. This is a limited‑term, non‑exempt role. Compensation is based on education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, and organizational needs. The role may be eligible for bonus pay; casual and fixed‑term employees are not bonus eligible.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility is limited to regular employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week. Fixed‑term and Flexforce employees scheduled to work 20 hours or more are eligible for a limited benefits package. Casual employees are not benefits eligible.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.